The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has extended the deadline for filing personal income tax returns by one month, offering relief to taxpayers while intensifying efforts to improve compliance and revenue mobilisation.
The extension, announced at an event to mark the annual return filing period, means individuals, including employees and sole proprietors, can now file their returns up to the end of May without incurring penalties.
Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), Dr Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, said the decision forms part of measures to support taxpayers and encourage voluntary compliance.
“Anyone who files between now and the end of May will have all applicable penalties waived,” he stated, urging Ghanaians to take advantage of the window.
The announcement coincided with the filing of tax returns by the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and his Deputy, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, an act that demonstrates leadership and accountability.
Dr Yamborigya described the move as a strong signal to public officials and citizens alike.
“This act reinforces the importance of tax compliance as a civic duty,” he noted, encouraging all eligible taxpayers to follow suit.
In his welcome remarks, Commissioner for Support Services Division (SSD), Hon Alex Adomako Mensah, emphasised that filing tax returns goes beyond administrative obligation.
“It is a civic responsibility and a cornerstone of national development,” he said, adding that every tax return contributes directly to funding critical services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social protection.
He noted that improved compliance ensures fairness in the tax system and helps distribute the tax burden equitably among citizens.
The GRA also used the platform to renew calls for a stronger tax culture, urging taxpayers to file promptly and make use of digital platforms to simplify the process.
Hon Adomako Mensah highlighted ongoing reforms to modernise tax administration, reduce compliance barriers, and improve transparency.
“Our commitment is to make compliance easier while making evasion difficult,” he said.
GRA cautioned that failure to file tax returns still attracts penalties, including a GH¢500 fine and an additional GH¢10 for each day of default.
However, the temporary extension is expected to ease the burden on taxpayers and improve overall compliance rates.
The GRA is encouraging all eligible individuals and businesses to take advantage of the extension and fulfil their tax obligations.
Officials say building a fair, efficient, and trusted tax system will require collective effort, stressing that compliance remains essential to Ghana’s economic stability and long-term development.
